COVINGTON, La., May 22, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Globalstar, Inc. (NYSE
MKT:GSAT), the leader in satellite messaging and emergency notification
technologies, announced today that their Value Added Reseller,
VehSmart, of Victorville, California, has been awarded the first
regional pilot project of its kind for Ecuador, which will outfit the
Ecuadorian artisanal fishing fleet with life-saving satellite tracking
and emergency notification devices.
A photo accompanying this release is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=25520
VehSmart already provides GPS enabled telematics devices with cellular
connectivity to cars, trucks, and motorcycles around the world. Their
sophisticated and advanced solutions are a perfect fit for the fishing
fleet. Globalstar prides itself on offering the most modern
communications network available, providing innovative products that
deliver superior, reliable - and often - lifesaving performance
results. With Globalstar's SmartOne hardware, and VehSmart's world
class reporting and expertise in deployment, both companies are looking
forward to additional orders for artisanal fishing fleets around the
world.
The project will initially outfit 4,000 small fishing boats with
Globalstar's leading satellite transmitter, the SmartOne. SmartOne
devices will provide Ecuadorian fishermen and women with a means for
help at sea when facing a life-threatening emergency including piracy.
By linking to Ecuador's National Emergency Response System, the
SmartOne devices will be outfitted with a proprietary panic button that
any sailor can activate discreetly to summon a rescue.
"We are pleased to participate in this unique, first of its kind
project with VehSmart and the Ecuadorian government," said Jay Monroe,
Chairman and CEO of Globalstar. "This plan showcases the global
life-saving power of Globalstar's technological offerings, providing
peace of mind and real-time information when it matters the most."
The combined risks of an unpredictable marine environment and piracy
attacks make fishing one of the world's riskiest occupations, with a
high annual cost both in lives and lost or stolen property. During
2012, 184 acts of piracy occurred against Ecuadorian fishermen,
according to the Ecuadorian government. During 2013 alone, the
Ecuadorian government replaced 370 stolen boat motors. Pirates steal
the boat motors and leave the fishermen stranded out at sea. These
stranded fishermen often die, leaving families bereaved and without
economic resources. Between January and April of 2013, seven Ecuadorian
fishermen disappeared at sea. The Globalstar SmartOne provides a means
for fishermen to not only send an SOS, but also allows authorities to
pinpoint the location of the distressed vessel and send lifesaving
rescue personnel.
"Through the implementation of satellite tracking devices, fishermen
will feel better protected with a greater level of security," said Vice
Minister of Aquaculture and Fisheries, Guillermo Moran.
"We are very excited to bring this life saving technology to the
fishermen of Ecuador," said Brian Story, CEO of VehSmart. "We will be
delivering unprecedented peace of mind to the families of those that
risk their lives and property every day at sea."
The satellite devices will also provide the Ecuadorian Vice Ministry of
Aquaculture and Fisheries with a wealth of information about the
seasonal movements of the fishing fleet. Authorities will be able to
police overfishing and better protect exclusionary zones, such as the
waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands, one of the richest and most
bio diverse ecosystems on earth.
Fishermen and women will also have access to a robust software
platform, protected by login script and viewable on handheld devices
and computers. Boat owners will be able to access information about
their vessels, track the whereabouts of loved ones at sea and use
historical data to identify prime fishing areas.
About Globalstar, Inc.
Globalstar is a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data
services. Globalstar offers these services to commercial and
recreational users in more than 120 countries around the world. The
Company's products include mobile and fixed satellite telephones,
simplex and duplex satellite data modems and flexible service packages.
Many land based and maritime industries benefit from Globalstar with
increased productivity from remote areas beyond cellular and landline
service. Globalstar customer segments include: oil and gas, government,
mining, forestry, commercial fishing, utilities, military,
transportation, heavy construction, emergency preparedness, and
business continuity as well as individual recreational users.
Globalstar data solutions are ideal for various asset and personal
tracking, data monitoring and SCADA applications.
For more information on Globalstar, and a list of dealers and retailers
carrying Globalstar products, visit www.globalstar.com.
The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.
CONTACT: For media information please contact:
United States:
Brad Grantham
Peter Mayer
granthamb@peteramayer.com
225.215.4483
Canada:
Caroline McGrath
CMM Communications Group
caroline@cmm-communications.com
416.972.1642
Europe:
White Tiger Communications
GlobalstarTeam@whitetigercommunications.net
+44 (0)7799 768464